The Saint Paul City Council met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 3:31 PM to 5:04 PM in the Council Chambers. Six members were present at roll call (Councilmember Johnson absent), with seven present for later votes. The meeting covered a consent agenda, separate discussion items, first readings of ordinances, public hearings, and legislative hearing consent items.
Johnson, Jost. Kim. Here. Yang. Here. Bowie. Here. Coleman. Here. Council President Naker. Here. Uh, six present, one absent, that being Councilmember Johnson, who's expected shortly. Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to our St. Paul City Council meeting. We appreciate you being here, and we invite everyone to join us in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. One nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. Consent agenda items four through thirty-five are before you for your consideration. And I know that we are pulling items thirty-three, thirty-four, and thirty-five for separate consideration. Is there anything else to come off of consent? Seeing none, I'll take a motion from Vice President Yang to approve the balance of the consent agenda. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. All opposed. Seven in favor, none opposed. The consent agenda is adopted as amended. Item 33, Resolution 26-1483, recognizing the city's participation in welcoming week 2026. And I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome uh Mr. Leho up, uh, to thank him so much for his work defending our neighbors and to speak a little bit more about welcoming week, which could not be more important this year. So thank you, and uh turn over the mics to you. Thank you, uh Council President. Uh Council members, uh, good afternoon. Thank you for entertaining this resolution. Um recognizing uh welcome week and uh St. Paul's participation in welcoming week this year. Uh welcoming week, sponsored nationally by Welcome America brings communities together to strengthen connections across differences and affirm the contributions of immigrants, refugees, new Americans, and longtime residents. For the last seven years, St. Paul has celebrated welcoming week, and we have held events in partnership with the City of Minneapolis and have worked with Welcoming America to foster a sense of welcoming and belonging in our community. This year, the St. Paul Immigrant Refugee Program and the City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs have collaborated in developing this twin resolution to affirm our shared regional commitment to welcoming communities and to recognize that every resident benefits when our cities foster belonging, safety, connection, and opportunity for all. There is so much that we do together that could not be done by one of us alone. And also I'm really grateful for the welcoming spirit that exists here in the city of St. Paul is exemplified by this resolution and the important work that you do. Thank you very much. Thank you. Welcome. Thank you. My name is Brianna Broberg, and I am the director of the welcoming network of Welcoming America.